Songbook box or “Mopjestrommel”

This wooden basket is called a “mopjestrommel.” These are typical Dutch objects, especially associated with the Zaanstreek region in the northern Netherlands, where they first appeared in the 17th century. They were used by women to carry songbooks when visiting friends, attending church, or going to other social gatherings. The songbooks were quite small, typically about 7.5 × 4.5 cm, but were often beautifully bound in leather or velvet.

This particular mopjestrommel is made of snakewood and whalebone and stands 38 cm tall.